Referencing Images and Developing The Concept

Having learnt the basics of Maya and knowing that my character would now be based in a troll like creature with some kind of weaponry, i started looking for reference images. This would not only give me reference for the face, but i needed strong grounding in the stance of the character (as they would weigh much more than a human) and the weaponry they would carry. Although many of the subtleties of the character can be established in Zbrush later, i think the more base structure i can include whilst in Maya would only benefit me.

Through my searching of reference images, i came across both real life action models, and other 3D models artists had done in Zbrush.

I knew from the outset that i wanted my character to be fierce and huge. As the character will eventually just be a still image, i wanted to create something that would really stand out.

The troll below has some of the aspects i wanted to include, but also some i wanted to steer clear from. The texturing on the troll here is something i liked, specifically on the body. Also with the clothing; it is not naked therefore not having to try and work out gentiles when modelling whilst also integrating a new texturing in the clothing. The stance itself seems rather boring, and the weapon is one i'd want to avoid.

I though at this point it would be best to look at things from my original inspiration. Looking at the Lord of the Rings trolls gave me a more refined look at the sort of things i wanted to create. This one below has many of the ferocious elements i wanted to include whilst also looking like it's very active. The hammer it's wielding isn't really something i was looking for in terms of weapon as i wanted something a little more dull. Something a little less refined and a but more angry and stupid. the chain on the other hand i think is amazing. If i can, i feel it would work well with my piece.

The troll below is the most perfect one i have found so far. Not only does it have the perfect stance for what i want to work with, but it's facial expression really shows the ferocity i wanted. The right are of this troll really makes it look like this weapon is heavy. Having something like that switched out for my club idea would work very well, and including a chain as a weapon in the other hand but bringing it forward would really add to the danger as well. I think using this idea as a base is something that would really help me move forward. 

These orthographic views below will help in the integration of proportion to my own image. Although my creation will be in a slightly different stance to this one here, i think having something like this as a guide to look at will help when mapping everything out.

The facial expression shown here is one i am extremely keen on. Not only does it show the anger and danger i want in my piece, but it resembles my original concepting of the troll i created. The concept itself was not very finessed, but having this to take and work from i think will be very beneficial when creating wrinkles in the face, neck and head.

In terms of weaponry i was still not sure what i should include. The integration of a chain is something i'd like to include, but having a bigger weapon is really a necessity. Wanting a club, i began to look at other types. Moving on from the hammer idea i could not find much more other than dull wooden clubs. This image below shows a troll in armour with a sword, but as with my concept, this kind of thing is what i wanted to avoid.

The small ringlets of spikes on this hammer below got me thinking about what i could include on a club, and the way i could actually replicate that on Maya. As with the extruded tubing i created on the Mechanical creature from the tutorial, i though maybe i could use that idea here and create something unique.

With the body and weaponry references to hand, i began to take note of the ways the Medieval Character tutorial used physical space; meaning instead of actually drawing up concept from the side and front, this artist would take orthographic photographs of himself, using those as a base. With my struggle using pencil to create a realistic concept in the first place, i decided to use this idea myself. Looking at my referencing and working out how the weapons would sit in the hand, i had photos taken of myself that i could work from. First of the body, then of the face. This would allow me to mesh my face in a way that could be manipulated into the face of a troll, and create a structure around myself that could be used for the 3D model.

Having a pose and facial expression established, i could line them up in photoshop to make sure that planes they would sit on with be transferable, meaning that i could flick between the two and the shoulders, eyes, knees etc would all sit on the same line. Having these lined up i could now begin to block out the character i wish to create. Although it has taken quite some time to get started with my own work, i think having this knowledge established will help me in the rest of the project.